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Text Of The National Broadcast By President Bola Ahmad Tinubu On The Occasion Of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary

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12 months ago

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President Bola Ahmad Tinubu addressing The Nation

 

Fellow Nigerians,

Today marks the 65th anniversary of our great nation’s Independence. As we reflect on the significance of this day and our journey of nationhood since October 1, 1960, when our founding fathers accepted the instruments of self-government from colonial rule, let us remember their sacrifice, devotion, and grand dream of a strong, prosperous, and united Nigeria that will lead Africa and be the beacon of light to the rest of the world.

 

2. Our founding heroes and heroines—Herbert Macaulay, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo, Anthony Enahoro, Ladoke Akintola, Michael Okpara, Aminu Kano, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and other nationalists—believed it was Nigeria’s manifest destiny to lead the entire black race as the largest black nation on earth.

 

 

3. For decades, the promise of our Independence has been tested by profound social, economic, and political challenges, and we have survived. While we may not have achieved all the lofty dreams of our forebearers, we have not strayed too far from them. In 65 years since our Independence, we have made tremendous progress in economic growth, social cohesion, and physical development. Our economy has experienced significant growth since 1960.

4. Although, it is much easier for those whose vocation is to focus solely on what ought to be, we must recognise and celebrate our significant progress. Nigerians today have access to better education and healthcare than in 1960. At Independence, Nigeria had 120 secondary schools with a student population of about 130,000. Available data indicate that, as of year 2024, there were more than 23,000 secondary schools in our country. At Independence, we had only the University of Ibadan and Yaba College of Technology as the two tertiary institutions in Nigeria. By the end of last year, there were 274 universities, 183 Polytechnics, and 236 Colleges of Education in Nigeria, comprising Federal, State, and private institutions. We have experienced a significant surge in growth across every sector of our national life since Independence – in healthcare, infrastructure, financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications, information technology, aviation and defence, among others.

5. Our country has experienced both the good and the bad times in its 65 years of nationhood, as is normal for every nation and its people. We fought a bitter and avoidable civil war, experienced military dictatorships, and lived through major political crises. In all these, we weathered every storm and overcame every challenge with courage, grit, and uncommon determination. While our system and ties that bind us are sometimes stretched by insidious forces opposed to our values and ways of life, we continue to strive to build a more perfect union where every Nigerian can find better accommodation and find purpose and fulfilment.
6. Fellow Compatriots, this is the third time I will address you on our independence anniversary since I assumed office as your President on May 29, 2023. In the last 28 months of my administration, like our founding fathers and leaders who came before me, I have committed myself irrevocably to the unfinished nation-building business.

7. Upon assuming office, our administration inherited a near-collapsed economy caused by decades of fiscal policy distortions and misalignment that had impaired real growth. As a new administration, we faced a simple choice: continue business as usual and watch our nation drift, or embark on a courageous, fundamental reform path. We chose the path of reform. We chose the path of tomorrow over the comfort of today. Less than three years later, the seeds of those difficult but necessary decisions are bearing fruit.

8. In resetting our country for sustainable growth, we ended the corrupt fuel subsidies and multiple foreign exchange rates that created massive incentives for a rentier economy, benefiting only a tiny minority. At the same time, the masses received little or nothing from our Commonwealth. Our administration has redirected the economy towards a more inclusive path, channelling money to fund education, healthcare, national security, agriculture, and critical economic infrastructure, such as roads, power, broadband, and social investment programmes. These initiatives will generally improve Nigerians’ quality of life. As a result of the tough decisions we made, the Federal and State governments, including Local Governments, now have more resources to take care of the people at the lower level of the ladder, to address our development challenges.

9. Fellow Nigerians, we are racing against time. We must build the roads we need, repair the ones that have become decrepit, and construct the schools our children will attend and the hospitals that will care for our people. We have to plan for the generations that will come after us. We do not have enough electricity to power our industries and homes today, or the resources to repair our deteriorating roads, build seaports, railroads, and international airports comparable to the best in the world, because we failed to make the necessary investments decades ago. Our administration is setting things right.

10. I am pleased to report that we have finally turned the corner. The worst is over, I say. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. I salute your endurance, support, and understanding. I will continue to work for you and justify the confidence you reposed in me to steer the ship of our nation to a safe harbour.

11. Under our leadership, our economy is recovering fast, and the reforms we started over two years ago are delivering tangible results. The second quarter 2025 Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.23%—Nigeria’s fastest pace in four years—and outpaced the 3.4 per cent projected by the International Monetary Fund. Inflation declined to 20.12% in August 2025, the lowest level in three years. The administration is working diligently to boost agricultural production and ensure food security, reducing food costs.

12. In the last two years of our administration, we have achieved 12 remarkable economic milestones as a result of the implementation of our sound fiscal and monetary policies:

i. We have attained a record-breaking increase in non-oil revenue, achieving the 2025 target by August with over N20 trillion. In September 2025 alone, we raised N3.65 trillion, 411% higher than the amount raised in May 2023.

ii. We have restored Fiscal Health: Our debt service-to-revenue ratio has been significantly reduced from 97% to below 50%. We have paid down the infamous “Ways and Means” advances that threatened our economic stability and triggered inflation. Following the removal of the corrupt petroleum subsidy, we have freed up trillions of Naira for targeted investment in the real economy and social programmes for the most vulnerable, as well as all tiers of government.

iii. We have a stronger foreign Reserve position than three years ago. Our external reserves increased to $42.03 billion this September—the highest since 2019.

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iv. Our tax-to-GDP ratio has risen to 13.5 per cent from less than 10 per cent. The ratio is expected to increase further when the new tax law takes effect in January. The tax law is not about increasing the burden on existing taxpayers but about expanding the base to build the Nigeria we deserve and providing tax relief to low-income earners.

v. We are now a Net Exporter: Nigeria has recorded a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters. We are now selling more to the world than we are buying, a fundamental shift that strengthens our currency and creates jobs at home. Nigeria’s trade surplus increased by 44.3% in Q2 2025 to ₦7.46 trillion ($4.74 billion), the largest in about three years. Goods manufactured in Nigeria and exported jumped by 173%. Non-oil exports, as a component of our export trade, now represent 48 per cent, compared to oil exports, which account for 52 per cent. This signals that we are diversifying our economy and foreign exchange sources outside oil and gas.

vi. Oil production rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day from barely one million in May 2023. The increase occurred due to improved security, new investments, and better stakeholder management in the Niger Delta. Furthermore, the country has made notable advancements by refining PMS domestically for the first time in four decades. It has also established itself as the continent’s leading exporter of aviation fuel.

vii. The Naira has stabilised from the turbulence and volatility witnessed in 2023 and 2024. The gap between the official rate and the unofficial market has reduced substantially, following FX reforms and fresh capital and remittance inflows. The multiple exchange rates, which fostered corruption and arbitrage, are now part of history. Additionally, our currency rate against the dollar is no longer determined by fluctuations in crude oil prices.

viii. Under the social investment programme to support poor households and vulnerable Nigerians, N330 billion has been disbursed to eight million households, many of whom have received either one or two out of the three tranches of the N25,000 each.

ix. Coal mining recovered dramatically from a 22% decline in Q1 to 57.5% growth in Q2, becoming one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing sectors. The solid mineral sector is now pivotal in our economy, encouraging value-added production of minerals extracted from our soil.

x. The administration is expanding transport infrastructure across the country, covering rail, roads, airports, and seaports. Rail and water transport grew by over 40% and 27%, respectively. The 284-kilometre Kano-Kastina-Maradi Standard Gauge rail project and the Kaduna-Kano rail line are nearing completion. Work is progressing well on the legacy Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway. The Federal Executive Council recently approved $3 billion to complete the Eastern Rail Project.

xi. The world is taking notice of our efforts. Sovereign credit rating agencies have upgraded their outlook for Nigeria, recognising our improved economic fundamentals. Our stock market is experiencing an unprecedented boom, rising from an all-share index of 55,000 points in May 2003 to 142,000 points as of September 26, 2025.

xii. At its last MPC meeting, the Central Bank slashed interest rates for the first time in five years, expressing confidence in our country’s macroeconomic stability.

SECURITY:

13. We are working diligently to enhance national security, ensuring our economy experiences improved growth and performance. The officers and men of our armed forces and other security agencies are working tirelessly and making significant sacrifices to keep us safe. They are winning the war against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes. We see their victories in their blood and sweat to stamp out Boko Haram Terror in North-East, IPOB/ESN terror in South East and banditry and kidnapping. We must continue to celebrate their gallantry and salute their courage on behalf of a grateful nation. Peace has returned to hundreds of our liberated communities in North-West and North-East, and thousands of our people have returned safely to their homes.

YOUTH:

14. I have a message for our young people. You are the future and the greatest assets of this blessed country. You must continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories in your various fields of science, technology, sports, and the art and creative sector. Our administration, through policies and funding, will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high. We created NELFUND to support students with loans for their educational pursuits. Approximately 510,000 students across 36 states and the FCT have benefited from this initiative, covering 228 higher institutions. As of September 10, the total loan disbursed was N99.5 billion, while the upkeep allowance stood at N44.7 billion.

15. Credicorp, another initiative of our administration, has granted 153,000 Nigerians N30 billion affordable loans for vehicles, solar energy, home upgrades, digital devices, and more.

16. YouthCred, which I promised last June, is a reality, with tens of thousands of NYSC members now active beneficiaries of consumer credit for resettlement.

17. Under our Renewed Hope Agenda, we promised to build a Nigeria where every young person, regardless of background, has an equitable opportunity to access a better future—thus, the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme. The Bank of Industry is driving the programme, in collaboration with the African Development Bank, the French Development Agency, and the Islamic Development Bank. This initiative is at the cusp of implementation. Over the last two years, we have collaborated with our partners to launch the programme, supporting our young builders and dreamers in the technology and creative sectors.

A MESSAGE OF HOPE

18. Fellow Nigerians, I have always candidly acknowledged that these reforms have come with some temporary pains. The biting effects of inflation and the rising cost of living remain a significant concern to our government. However, the alternative of allowing our country to descend into economic chaos or bankruptcy was not an option. Our macro-economic progress has proven that our sacrifices have not been in vain. Together, we are laying a new foundation cast in concrete, not on quicksand.

 

19. The accurate measure of our success will not be limited to economic statistics alone, but rather in the food on our families’ tables, the quality of education our children receive, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities. Let me assure you of our administration’s determination to ensure that the resources we have saved and the stability we have built are channelled into these critical areas. Today, the governors at the state level, and the local government autonomy are yielding more developments.

20. Therefore, on this 65th Anniversary of Our Independence, my message is hope and a call to action. The federal government will continue to do its part to fix the plumbing in our economy. Now, we must all turn on the taps of productivity, innovation, and enterprise, just like the Ministry of Interior has done with our travel passports, by quickening the processing. In this regard, I urge the sub-national entities to join us in nation-building. Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce. Let us patronise ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods. I say Nigeria first. Let us pay our taxes.

21. Finally, let all hands be on deck. Let us believe, once more, in the boundless potential of our great nation.

22. With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.

23. Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Amen.

 

 

 

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Presidential Villa,
Abuja.

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Kano Task Force Arrests 380 Suspects, Secures Over 230 Convictions in Two Months

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35 minutes ago

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September 22, 2026

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The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking says it has arrested more than 380 suspects and secured over 230 convictions within two months of its inauguration, as part of intensified efforts to combat drug abuse, illicit trafficking, thuggery and other related crimes in the state.

Chairman of the Task Force, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, disclosed this on Tuesday,while briefing journalists on the activities and achievements of the committee since its inauguration on July 22, 2026. The task force was established as part of the Kano State Government’s response to substance abuse and drug-related criminal activities.

According to Rimin Gado, the committee has conducted a series of joint enforcement and dislodgment operations targeting drug joints, criminal hideouts and locations where youths allegedly gather to abuse illicit substances before engaging in activities including thuggery, phone snatching and other crimes.

Rimin Gado said the operations covered several identified black spots in Kano metropolis, including Race Course, Filin Idi, Filin Mahaha, Tashar Rami, Kawo and Tashar Rimi, among other locations.

The Task Force chairman said the operations resulted in the arrest of more than 380 suspects and the recovery of assorted substances, including Cannabis Sativa, Exol-5, Diazepam, Pentazocine injection, Tramadol, Pregabalin capsules, Rubber Solution and other substances identified by the task force as being abused illicitly.

He said the committee also recovered locally made weapons from some of the locations, including knives, cutlasses, daggers, clubs and other offensive weapons allegedly used by suspected drug dealers and members of criminal groups.

Rimin Gado said the recovery of the weapons was significant because some of the suspects allegedly used them to intimidate residents, commit crimes and resist arrest during enforcement operations.

 

The Task Force chairman also disclosed that about 870,000 capsules of Pregabalin were seized from a pharmaceutical company in the state over suspected diversion of the controlled substance for illicit use.

According to Rimin Gado, the circumstances surrounding the discovery raised concerns about compliance with federal and state regulations governing pharmaceutical warehouse operations and the distribution of controlled medicines.

He therefore called on pharmaceutical companies, pharmacy managers, superintendent pharmacists and other personnel in the pharmaceutical supply chain to strengthen their internal controls and ensure that controlled medicines do not find their way into illicit markets.

Rimin Gado warned that the Task Force would investigate anyone found culpable in the diversion of controlled drugs, stressing that legitimate pharmaceutical businesses must cooperate with inspections and inquiries.

The chairman further disclosed that more than 230 convictions had already been secured from cases handled by the Task Force since its inauguration.

He cited the conviction of two men, Kabiru Isa, popularly known as Mada, and Usman Hamisu, also known as Mani, over their alleged involvement in exposing 43 underage children to intoxicating substances.

The two men were previously reported to have been sentenced by Magistrate Muhammad Alhaji Sani of Magistrate Court No. 44, Gwammaja, Kano, after being convicted of offences including criminal conspiracy, membership of an unlawful society and administering intoxicating substances.

Rimin Gado said the 43 children, many of whom were involved in street scavenging, were allegedly supplied with Rubber Solution and other intoxicating substances instead of being properly paid for their work.

He said the children had been rescued and subjected to medical examinations, counselling and treatment, while efforts were ongoing to trace their families.

The chairman said some of the children’s families had already been identified and reunited with them, while the rehabilitation and reintegration process for others was continuing.

 

Rimin Gado also disclosed what he described as a landmark case involving alleged illegal administration and distribution of Pentazocine.

According to him, the Task Force acted on a complaint concerning the alleged administration of Pentazocine to a 63-year-old woman by former Chairman of Rogo Local Government Area, Yahuza Musa.

He said the allegation was further corroborated by a 24-year-old man who claimed to have spent more than N10 million and a plot of land to purchase the same injection from the former local government chairman.

Rimin Gado said the former chairman had subsequently been charged before a competent court, where the case remains pending.

 

The chairman said the Task Force had also intensified its campaign against the activities of criminal gangs popularly referred to as Daba, with several suspected gang members arrested and convicted.

Rimin Gado identified some of those convicted as Abdullahi Ahmad, popularly known as Horror; Abubakar Sada, also known as Daburi; Abdullahi Sani, known as Sarki Ale; and Umar Aliyu, among others.

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He said some suspected gang members had used social media platforms to allegedly glorify or encourage thuggery and violence, adding that the Task Force would continue to pursue individuals involved in such activities.

Rimin Gado said the convictions were intended to demonstrate that drug abuse, gang activities and violent thuggery would be treated as criminal matters requiring enforcement and prosecution.

The chairman also announced a breakthrough in the investigation of a phone-snatching syndicate known as ‘Yan Liya, which allegedly uses commercial tricycles, popularly called Adaidaita Sahu or Keke Napep, to steal mobile phones from members of the public.

According to Rimin Gado, the Task Force arrested a suspect linked to the syndicate, secured his conviction and obtained the forfeiture of a tricycle allegedly used in the commission of the crime.

He said the suspect reportedly confessed that he could not count the number of phones allegedly stolen by the syndicate.

Rimin Gado further alleged that some owners of the tricycles used by the syndicate were aware of the criminal activities of their riders and sometimes demanded higher payments because of the proceeds generated from the illicit operations.

The chairman therefore urged members of the public to exercise caution when using commercial tricycles and warned owners against knowingly allowing their vehicles to be used for criminal activities.

He said the Task Force would pursue not only individuals involved in criminal activities but also the instruments allegedly used to commit the offences, including vehicles, where the law permits forfeiture.

Beyond arrests and prosecutions, Rimin Gado said the Task Force was combining enforcement with prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

He said about 125 people had been referred to the Kano Reformatory Institute in Kiru for rehabilitation as part of efforts to address substance abuse as a problem requiring treatment and recovery rather than enforcement alone.

The Task Force had earlier announced plans to establish additional rehabilitation facilities and engage stakeholders in prevention and treatment programmes across the state.

Rimin Gado said the committee had also embarked on sensitisation programmes involving communities, religious institutions, schools, markets and other stakeholders to educate residents about the dangers associated with drug abuse.

 

The chairman said the growing demand for rehabilitation had placed significant pressure on the Kano State Reformatory Institute in Kiru, which he said had reached capacity.

According to Rimin Gado, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had provided an additional facility in Tofa Local Government Area to serve as an extension of the rehabilitation infrastructure.

He said the facility would be equipped and put into operation to accommodate people seeking treatment and rehabilitation, particularly as more families were voluntarily bringing relatives affected by substance abuse for assistance.

Rimin Gado said the broader objective of the intervention was to take 10,000 youths off the streets, rehabilitate them, provide skills acquisition opportunities and support their eventual reintegration into society.

He said the Task Force was engaging industrial stakeholders and other relevant organisations on strategies for creating employment and productive opportunities for youths who complete rehabilitation.

According to him, the objective is to ensure that rehabilitated youths return to their communities with useful skills and opportunities that can reduce the risk of relapse and re-engagement in criminal activities.

The proposed 10,000-person intervention is consistent with earlier statements by the Task Force that its strategy would combine enforcement with detoxification, rehabilitation, skills acquisition and economic reintegration.

 

Rimin Gado attributed the progress recorded by the Task Force to the cooperation among security, law enforcement, government and community-based institutions working under the multi-agency framework.

He specifically appreciated personnel from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Correctional Service, KOSSAP, Vigilante groups, Hisbah and KAROTA for their participation in the operations.

The chairman said the multi-agency structure was designed to reduce inter-agency rivalry and improve intelligence sharing, joint operations and coordinated responses to drug abuse and associated criminal activities.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had, at the inauguration of the Task Force in July, directed the committee to coordinate intelligence gathering, enforcement, public enlightenment, rehabilitation and collaboration among relevant agencies.

Rimin Gado also acknowledged the contributions of non-governmental organisations, civil society groups, traditional institutions, religious organisations and the media to the campaign against drug abuse.

He appealed to residents to provide timely and relevant information to the Task Force and other security agencies on drug trafficking, criminal hideouts and activities that threaten public safety.

The chairman said the Task Force’s activities were in line with Governor Yusuf’s objective of achieving a drug-free Kano under his administration’s “Kano First Agenda.”

Rimin Gado expressed appreciation to Governor Yusuf for what he described as the political will and institutional support behind the establishment of the Task Force, saying the administration’s approach had brought several agencies together under a common framework to confront drug abuse, illicit trafficking and related criminal activities.

The Kano State Government inaugurated the multi-agency task force on July 22, shortly after the governor signed an executive order aimed at tackling substance abuse, thuggery and related criminal activities across the state.

The Task Force chairman said the committee would sustain its enforcement, prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, with the stated objective of making Kano safer while providing vulnerable youths affected by substance abuse with opportunities to recover, acquire skills and return to productive community life.

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Uromi Killings: Human Rights Group Demands Explanation Over N6m Given to Kano Victims’ Families

Published

2 hours ago

on

September 22, 2026

By

Comrade Ayagi

 

 

The International Human Rights Network has demanded clarification from the Kano State Government over the reported N6 million given to families of Kano hunters killed during the Uromi killings in Edo State.

The organisation wants Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to explain whether the money was paid as compensation for the lives lost or was merely financial support to the bereaved families.

The coordinator of the International Human Rights Network, Comrade Haruna Ayagi, made the demand while addressing journalists in Kano, saying the families deserve transparency from the government on the nature and purpose of the payment.

Ayagi said the Kano Government should make the matter public and clearly communicate to the affected families whether the N6 million represents compensation, humanitarian assistance or another form of government intervention.

“We are drawing the attention of the government to be transparent. We want the government to do something and let it be open. They want an explanation of the N6 million given to them, whether it is compensation,” Ayagi said.

while those who sustained injuries were reportedly given N1.8 million each.

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The human rights activist said the government should not stop at providing financial support but should also follow up with the Edo State Government and other relevant authorities regarding possible compensation for the victims.

Ayagi specifically urged Governor Yusuf to establish the status of any compensation or diya that may be due to the families of those killed, saying the victims’ relatives need clarity on what they should expect.

“It is not only the support we want. We want the Governor to follow up and track from the Edo State Government whether it is diya or support,” Ayagi said.

The coordinator also recalled that the Kano State Government had previously sent the Commissioner for Information to visit the affected families during Eid-el-Fitr, when relief materials and financial assistance were distributed.

According to Ayagi, the families were given bags of rice and cash support ranging between N250,000 and N350,000.

He said such assistance was appreciated but should not be confused with compensation for the lives lost, stressing that the government should state clearly what the N6 million represents.

Ayagi said the families of the deceased remained entitled to information about the steps being taken by the authorities to pursue justice and address the consequences of the killings.

One of the bereaved family members, Bala Dutse Ahmadu, said his son was among those killed in the Uromi incident and left behind 11 children who are now struggling to cope with life without their father.

Ahmadu said the financial assistance provided by the government had offered some relief to the family, but maintained that the support could not erase the consequences of losing a breadwinner.

“My son lost his life during the Uromi killings. He left 11 children. We are now in hardship since he left,” Ahmadu said.

He said the family appreciated the support received but insisted that compensation for the life lost had yet to be adequately addressed.

According to Ahmadu, the affected families are also seeking justice, saying the payment of financial assistance alone does not resolve the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The International Human Rights Network therefore called on the Kano State Government to publicly clarify the N6 million payment and intensify its engagement with the Edo State Government and other relevant authorities on compensation and justice for the victims.

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President Tinubu Adds Days to Working Vacation, Returns at Weekend

Published

20 hours ago

on

September 21, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will return to Nigeria this weekend after extending his working vacation in Europe by a few days, the State House announced Monday evening.

The President departed Nigeria on August 30 for London to begin the working vacation, which was initially expected to last three weeks. According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the President has since relocated to Paris, France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Mr. Vincent Bollore, whose media group includes Canal+, Multichoice, and Universal Music Group.

Despite his absence, the statement emphasized that President Tinubu has remained actively engaged with domestic affairs, particularly directing an independent panel to investigate the deaths of 37 illegal miners in Minna following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

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The President has delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him at official functions. However, Vice President Shettima departed Abuja on September 20 for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly. In his absence, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, will continue to represent the President at official engagements.

On the political front, the statement noted that Senator Abubakar Yari, Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), has been leading consultations with prominent traditional rulers across the country alongside other notable party leaders.

The extension comes as the President’s initial three-week vacation timeline elapsed, with the State House confirming he will now return to the country at the weekend.

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